From the Board book:
Each month, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors recognizes an outstanding school, student, staff member, or parent or community member for a display of excellence, achievement, and innovation that may serve as an example to our school district and the entire Milwaukee community. This month, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors is pleased to present the Excellence in Education Award to:
JOHN CHISHOLM
PAUL DEDINSKY
LOVELL JOHNSON
DAVID LERMAN
GARY MAHKORN
THE RESTORATIVE PRACTICES PROGRAM,
MILWAUKEE DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE (SAFE SCHOOLS/HEALTHY STUDENTS PARTNER)
The Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office collaborates with Milwaukee Public Schools and the Safe Schools/Healthy Students (SS/HS) Initiative to bring theRestorative Practices Program to schools. Instituted in 2007 by the Milwaukee Board of School Directors, and supported by the Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant, this program aims to reduce suspensions, improve classroom and school climate, and create and maintain caring communities by focusing on the importance of relationships. During the 2008-2009 school year, two assistant district attorneys worked with 19 schools under the SS/HS Initiative, plus additional schools throughout the city of Milwaukee, to implement this program and bring about positive change in our community.
The Restorative Practices Program features conflict-resolution circles as well as student counseling, mentoring, and staff support. Conflict-resolution circles, also known as Justice Circles, are formed among groups of students with a staff member and community leader present. Together, students work through their problems and offer support to one another. Restorative Practices in schools actively involve the offender while encouraging students to solve conflicts in a peaceful, non-violent manner. Students are equipped with self-motivation, self-discipline, and empathy. In the long term,Restorative Practices teaches students to exhibit self-control and to take responsibility for their actions.
During the 2008-2009 school year, the partnership among the Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office, MPS, and the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative was strengthened. The assistant district attorneys implementing the program made 409 visits to 19 schools under the Initiative. Overall, there were 1,031 students who received guidance on using Restorative Practices to solve personal conflicts. There were 932 staff members and 35 parents from the community trained on how to implement RestorativePractices in their classrooms and homes.
It is obvious that the Restorative Practices Program is reaching many members of the Milwaukee community. These numbers will only continue to grow. Thanks to the dedication and commitment of the Restorative Practices leaders, the program is teaching our staff and students the value of relationships and communication. Through personal reflection and an increased sense of belonging for all students, Restorative Practices is building peaceful, productive school climates throughout our city. Students are relating to one another with compassion and support while expressing their feelings and being held accountable for their own words and actions.
The Milwaukee Board of School Directors recognizes and honors John Chisholm, Paul Dedinsky, Lovell Johnson, David Lerman, and Gary Mahkorn of the Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office for their dedication, outstanding leadership, and commitment to excellence on behalf of the students of the Milwaukee Public Schools.
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Buffoonery
MaryAnnKiepczynski 8 months ago